Shumenov-Berrio is on!

By Alexey Sukachev

While sceptics question his remarkable determination and desire to be matched tough, Kazakh light heavyweight prospect Beibut Shumenov (7-0, 5 KOs) shows no signs of slowing down. Next for Shumenov, who is ranked #8 by the WBA, #9 by the WBO and#16 by the WBC, is a twelve-round clash against former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro Berrio (28-5, 27 KOs) of Columbia. The contract between two respective parties was signed yesterday. This fight will most probably be held on the open air at Khadjimukan stadium in Chimkent, Kazakhstan, on May 9; however, the exact date depends on weather condtitions and can be moved slightly in future. A vacant IBA light heavyweight title will be for grabs. Power-punching Berrio, IBF #9 ranked contender, posted two easy victories over non-descript opposition in 2008 following his spirited TKO 11 loss to Lucian Bute in November 2007. He is to become the second former world champion after Montell Griffin to collide with Shumenov in his yet short but already sound pro career.